real simple mac 'n cheese

The week's recipe is from: Real Simple, Meals Made Easy,
(compliments of our wonderful local library).

Even though this book has dozens of mouth-watering, easy recipes,
I decided on a classic- and hand's down favorite at our house- mac and cheese.

Doesn't it look yummy?

After eating a few plate-fulls,
Mr. M. said it was worthy of being on our weekly menu.

Recipe Follows:
1 lb dry elbow macaroni (I used a whole wheat variety)
5 tbl unsalted butter (plus more for baking dish)
1/2 cup flour
6 cups whole milk (I used 3 cups whole, 3 cups 2%)
3 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
3 tsp kosher salt
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp black pepper

Heat oven to 400.
Cook macaroni according to package instructions (al dente).
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour, whisk constantly for 3 min., then add milk in steady stream.
Cook for 7 min.
Add Cheddar and 2 tsp of salt.
Cook for 5 min. (till thick and slightly bubbly)
Remove from heat.
Add drained macaroni to cheese mixture and toss.
Transfer to a buttered casserole dish.
Combine bread crumbs, parsley, oil, pepper and salt in small bowl.
Sprinkle over casserole.
Bake until golden and bubbling around edges, about 25 min.